Digital Image Collection of Desmids
Desmids are microscopic single celled green algae with a typical symmetrical appearance. The cells are divided in two halves ('semicells') that are mirror images of each other and they show a remarkable variation in shape and ornamentation. Because desmids thrive in clear and nutrient poor freshwater, they gain increasing attention from ecologists for assessing and monitoring wetland areas.

Bibliography


Monographs/Floras

Bourrelly, P. & Couté, A. (1991): Desmidiées de Madagascar. J. Cramer, Berlin/Stuttgart.

Brook, A.J. & Williamson, D.B. (2010): A Monograph on some British Desmids. J.H. Price and J. Evans.

Coesel, P.F.M. & Meesters, K.J. (2007): Desmids of the Lowlands. KNNV Publishing, Zeist.

Croasdale, H. et al. (1986, 1988, 1994): Flora of New Zealand: Desmids. Vol I: Govt. Print., Wellington, Vol. II: DSIR, Botany Division, Christchurch, Vol. III: Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.

Förster, K. (1982): Das Phytoplankton des Süßwassers. E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart.

John, D.M. & Williamson, D.B (2009): A practical guide to the Desmids of the West of Ireland. Martin Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway.

Krieger, W. (1937, 1939): Die Desmidiaceen Europas mit Berücksichtigung der aussereuropäischen Arten. In: Rabenhorst's Kryptogamen-Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz. Band 13, Abt. 1, 1. Teil. & 2. Teil. Akademische Verlagsgesellschaft, Leipzig.

Krieger, W. & Gerloff, J. (1962, 1965, 1969): Die Gattung Cosmarium, Lieferung 1, 2, 3+4. J. Cramer, Weinheim.

Lenzenweger, R. (1996, 1997, 1999, 2003): Desmidiaceenflora von Österreich. Teil 1- 4. J. Cramer, Berlin/Stuttgart.

Ling, H.U. & Tyler, P.A. (2000): Australian Frehwater Algae. J. Cramer, Berlin/Stuttgart.

Prescott, G.W. et al. (1972, 1975, 1977, 1981 ,1982, 1983): A Synopsis of North American Desmids. Part I: The New York Botanical Garden, New York, Part II, Sect. 1-5: University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln/London (reprint: Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehra Dun, 2001).

Ralfs, J. (1848): The British Desmidieæ. Reeve, Benham & Reeve, London.

Růžička, J. (1977, 1981): Die Desmidiaceen Mitteleuropas, Band 1, 1 & 2. Lieferung. E. Schweizerbart'sche, Stuttgart.

Teiling, E. (1967): The desmid genus Staurodesmus. Ark. Bot., Ser. 2, 6 (11), p. 467-629.

Teiling's revision of the genus Staurodesmus is the only flora that is not in my possession, so, if someone is so kind to send me a copy (for any reasonable price), I would be very pleased!

West, W. & West, G.S. (1904, 1905, 1908, 1912, 1923): A Monograph of the British Desmidiaceae, Vol. I-V. Ray Society, London. (Vol. V completed by Carter, N.)


Articles

Bourrelly, P. (1957): Algues d'eau douce du Soudan Francais, region du Macina (A.O.F.) Bull. I.F.A.N., 19, Ser. A(4): 1047-1102 + 21 pls.

Coesel, P.F.M (1978): Taxonomical, geographical and ecological notes on Euastrum mononcylum var. germanicum Schmidle (Chlorophyta, Desmidiaceae) Arch. Protistenk. 120: 436-445

Coesel, P.F.M. (2002): Taxonomic and biographical notes on Malagassy desmids. Nord. J. Bot. 22(2): 239-255.

Coesel, P.F.M. & Van Geest, A. (2008): Taxonomic and biographical notes on Okavango desmids. Syst. Geogr. Pl. 78: 27-46.

Coesel, P.F.M. & Van Geest, A. (2009): Taxonomic and biographical notes on Okavango desmids, II: genera Cosmarium, Xanthidium and Staurastrum. Syst. Geogr. Pl. 79: 15-31.

Grönblad, R. (1962): Sudanese Desmids II. Acta Bot. Fenn. 63: 1-19.

Grönblad, R., Prowse, G.A. & Scott, A.M. (1958): Sudanese Desmids. Acta Bot. Fenn. 58: 1-82.

Grönblad, R., Scott, A.M. & Croasdale, H. (1968): Desmids from Sierra Leone, tropical West Africa. Acta Bot. Fenn. 78: 1-41.

Kouwets, F.A.C. (1991): Notes on the morphology and taxonomy of some rare or remarkable desmids (Chlorophyta, Zygnemaphyceae) from South-West France. Nova Hedwigia 53: 383-408.

Šťastný, J. (2010): Desmids (Conjugatophyceae, Viridiplanta) from the Czech Republic; new and rare taxa, distribution, ecology. Fottea 10(1): 1-74.

Thomasson, K. (1960): Notes on the Plankton of Lake Bangweulu, Part 2. Nova Acta Reg. Soc. Sci. Upsal. Ser. IV, 17(12): 1-43.


All photos copyright: © 2009-2012 Alfred van Geest